Amanda Hall, a Ph.D. student in our curriculum, culture and change track, has been named the Virginia Jaycees' Outstanding Young Virginian for 2016. She received the award at the Virginia Jaycees Convention, held in Richmond on Nov. 18-20.

A former science teacher, Hall has made community service to area schools a top priority throughout her career.

She created Grow On Garden Markets, a youth-run farmer's market designed to address the lack of fresh food in many Richmond-area schools.

Hall also sponsored the "Teens for Jeans" campaign at Fairfield Middle School — an initiative aimed to collect clothing for homeless families.

At VCU, Hall has worked closely with the Graduate School to further incorporate service-learning into the university's Preparing Future Faculty program.

Founded in 1938, the Virginia Jaycees provides leadership training and community involvement opportunities for young men and women.